The quiet village of Toomilia in Gazipur, central Bangladesh, came alive on January 30 as Toomilia Girls’ Model Government Primary School celebrated its 125th anniversary, marking more than a century of dedication to the education and empowerment of girls and young women.
The celebration, organized by the Sisters of Mary Queen of the Apostles (SMRA) under the guidance of the Episcopal Youth Commission, featured archbishops, bishops, priests, religious sisters, alumni, students, and local officials. The event highlighted the school’s long-standing role in providing quality education in a region where educational opportunities for females were once scarce.
A Legacy of Empowerment
The school, now administered by the SMRA Sisters, was originally established by the Holy Cross Sisters. According to Sister Mary Trishita, SMRA, headmistress of the school, leadership transferred to the SMRA congregation in 1951. A recent milestone came in November 2025, when the school was formally recognized as a Model Government Primary School for Gazipur District, affirming its excellence in academics and community service.
Over the past 125 years, the school has educated thousands of girls, many of whom have gone on to serve in leadership roles in the Church, public service, education, healthcare, and other professional fields. Alumni credit the school with instilling confidence, discipline, and values that have guided their personal and professional lives.
Church Leaders Praise School’s Contributions
Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze, OMI of Dhaka, unveiled a commemorative souvenir during the event and praised the school’s enduring legacy.
“Countless alumnae have become self-confident, self-reliant, and courageous individuals contributing actively to family and society. This school has shaped leaders in education, healthcare, the Church, and public service, and continues to inspire new generations,” Archbishop D’Cruze said.
He also acknowledged the efforts of Fr. Larco, CSC, the Holy Cross missionary who founded the school, noting the courage of Church leaders who established educational opportunities for girls more than a century ago.
Recognition from Local Authorities
The school’s significance was also recognized by local civil authorities. A. T. M. Kamrul Islam, Upazila Executive Officer of Kaliganj, described the milestone as remarkable, highlighting the institution’s academic excellence, co-curricular programs, cultural activities, sports, and moral formation.
Alumni Reflections
Former students, including Sister Mabel Costa, RNDM, now principal of St. Francis Xavier’s Girls High School and College in Dhaka, expressed their joy at returning to their alma mater. They recalled the mentorship of the sisters, particularly Sister Ratna, SMRA, whose guidance left a lasting impact on their personal and professional lives.
Historical Roots
Christianity was first introduced to the Nagari–Toomilia region by Portuguese missionaries in the 17th century. In 1895, a church was founded in Toomilia, and Father Larco, CSC, began establishing community structures, including the school in 1900, then named the “Middle Vernacular School,” which initially served both boys and girls. The Holy Cross Sisters assumed leadership in 1927, renaming it St. Mary’s Primary Girls’ School in 1929. The SMRA Sisters took charge in 1951, and following government reforms, the school became Toomilia Girls’ Government Primary School in 1973. Its recent recognition as a model school reinforces the school’s continued commitment to education.
A Bright Future
Sister Mary Trishita emphasized the school’s mission to educate young women without discrimination of caste, religion, or social background, noting that graduates now serve as doctors, teachers, government officials, religious sisters, engineers, barristers, and professionals across sectors. Even those choosing family life contribute meaningfully to society, enriched by the education and values imparted at Toomilia.
The anniversary celebration featured student performances, cultural programs, prayers, and the unveiling of a commemorative souvenir, reflecting both the school’s rich heritage and its ongoing role in empowering girls and young women.
